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Famed Milhous Collection up for auction

The Milhous Collection will hit the auction block for a two-day sale hosted by RM Auctions. The event will take place in association with Sotheby's in Boca Raton, Fla., on Feb. 24-25, 2012.

Famed Milhous Collection up for auction Photo by RM Auctions

Brothers Bob and Paul Milhous amassed an extraordinary collection that includes everything from automobiles to mechanical musical instruments. The result is housed in a 39,000-square-foot building in Boca Raton, which will be the auction site.

“RM is honored to have been selected by the Milhous brothers to represent their collection auction,” RM Auctions chairman and founder Rob Myers said in a company statement. “I've known Bob and Paul Milhous for many years and their museum is one of the finest private displays I have ever seen. Those that have had the privilege to tour the collection over the years can attest to its incredible significance, extraordinary quality and presentation.”

A 1934 Packard Eight Convertible Victoria goes up for auction as part of the Milhous Collection. Photo by RM Auctions

The Milhous Collection includes a 1934 Packard Eight Convertible Victoria built for Marie Dressler, the lead actress in the 1933 film Tugboat Annie. Bob Milhous bought the car and showed it at major concours events in the United States, winning Best of Show at Pebble Beach in 1976.

A 1930 Duesenberg Model J convertible sedan goes up for auction as part of the Milhouse Collection. Photo by RM Auctions

Other Milhous cars include two Fleetwood-designed Cadillac Sixteens, a 1913 Pierce Arrow Model 48-B, a 1930 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Sedan by Murphy and a 1951 Mercury Special Custom by Barris Kustoms.

A 1949 Rounds Rocket Race Car goes up for auction as part of the Milhouse Collection. Photo by RM Auction

The brothers also collected vintage race cars including the 1948 Automobile Shippers Special Offenhauser, the 1949 Rounds Rocket Indianapolis competitor designed by Howard Hughes and the 1962 Lesovsky Offenhauser Roadster Indy racer.

This Shell Gas Display Collection goes up for auction at the Milhouse Collection. Photo by RM Auction

Other collection items being auctioned include memorabilia such as porcelain signs, gas pumps, hall and tower clocks, gasoline-powered tether cars and decorative art pieces. Check out www.rmauctions.com for more information or to register to bid.